When the suspect’s identity was revealed in local media, the police faced criticism on social media with questions raised over his release.

But contrary to media reports suggesting that Mafaz should have been in pre-trial detention, the police told the press on Sunday that he had served a one-year sentence handed by the High Court for violating the monicon order.

Mafaz, whom the police previously characterised as a repeat offender that posed a threat to society, was arrested after a raid on the Jelly Fish house in the Galolhu ward of the capital.

He was arrested in connection with the murder of a 24-year-old man on July 27.

Nadheem Abdul Rahman, from the northern island of Thakandhoo in Haa Alif atoll, was stabbed in the head by a group of masked men inside the Terminal Cafe in Malé.